Package and display for sawhorse brackets



Aug. 29, 1967 J. EVANS PACKAGE AND DISPLAY FOR SAWHORSE BRACKETS 2 Sheets-Sheet l //VVE/VTOR. JACK EVA/V5 Filed July 21, 1966 Aug. 29, 1967 J. EVANS PACKAGE AND DISPLAY FOR SAWHORSE BRACKETS Filed July 21, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 v 2 h 62 l 2 34 ll m 3;; r "f 24 /240 I 760 m6 5 2 /060 20 i' W! 76 l /04 G 0 0 I O 0% 70 1} v 70 O 1O 8O 20 W 1 1 96a United States Patent 3,338,408 PACKAGE AND DISPLAY FOR SAWHORSE BRACKETS Jack Evans, Grant Park, Ill. 60940 Filed July 21, 1966, 891'. No. 566,894 19 Claims. (Cl. 206-65) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A display assembly for sawhorse brackets and the like and characterized in that, through the use of, a simulated segment of a crossbeam functionally gripped and held between opposed cooperating jaws of the bracket, the ultimate utility of the bracket is graphically and realistically depicted. The display assembly includes a band or wrapper which holds the various components in fixed relative positions and serves as well to provide a convenient printing surface on which descriptive and illustrative material may be imprinted.

The present invention relates generally to a display package for structural joints or connectors. More particularly, Q; invention is directed to an assembly especially adapte to display a pair of sawhorse brackets, and so constructed as to illustrate effectively the intended ultimate use or utility of the brackets themselves.

Numerous structural embodiments of sawhorse brackets, joints, connectors, and related fixtures, useful in the fabrication of scaffolding, carpenters horses, trestles, and similar support means are known in the prior art. It is not to such brackets, clamps or connectors, per se, that the invention is directed, but rather to a novel package or display which includes one or preferably a pair of such brackets, the invention being practiced with and practicable for use in combination with many different types of brackets or connectors.

While many important uses are known for brackets and connectors of the type which find utility in the combination of the present invention, the presentation or general display of these items in a manner to indicate their utility and thus to promote their sale has presented a difficult problem to which, hertofore, no completely satisfactory solution has been found. An additional but unrelated problem in the sale of brackets of the general type referred to above is the over-all bulk of the items, the bulk necessitating the use of relatively large packing boxes or packages or containers thereby increasing the over-all cost of the item. A related undesirable feature of the prior art packaging as applied to the brackets is the excessive shelf-space and storage space that the bracket or bracket pairs require when stocked as inventory. It is the aim of the present invention to provide a very simple yet highly effective solution to the above-outlined problems and to other problems to the end that a greatly improved display package for structural connectors such as sawhorse brackets may be realized.

It is an important feature of the present invention that the combination display and package includes as an element thereof a simulated segment of a cross-beam which is gripped between and held by the clamping jaws of the brackets. This novel arrangement provides a highly effective visual representation of the manner in which the brackets are used.

Another important feature of the invention is that it includes a strap, band, or wrapper which encircles the brackets and which, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, serves not only to maintain the brackets in fixed relative position, but also to hold the simulated beam segment firmly in place between the bracket jaws.

A related feature of the invention is that the bracketencircling strap comprises a one-piece band the ends of which are provided with inter-locking or coupling means for securing the band in place.

Yet another feature of a preferred embodiment of the invention is that the band is physically keyed against relative movement with respect to both the brackets and the simulated beam segment gripped between the jaws of the brackets.

A further feature of a preferred form of the display package of the invention is that the base panel or floor of the encircling band is provide-d with a cutout portion or with cutout portions through which leg portions of the brackets extend, the over-all effect being to lock the brackets firmly in place and to prevent axial separation of the bracket pair within the display package.

Another feature of the package and display combination is that the simulated beam segment is provided with perforations, openings, slots, or slits located to correspond with the positions of tooth-like projections forming integral parts of the opposed cooperating jaws of the brackets. The tooth-like projections extend through the opposed side walls of the simulated beam and prevent shifting of the beam from its predetermined position.

An important feature of the wrapper or band itself is that it is conveniently fabricated by stamping or otherwise cutting a one-piece blank from any preferred sheet material.

Still another important feature of the over-all combination is a mechanical interlock between the wrapper or band and the simulated beam segment.

A related feature of the invention is that the mechanical interlock between the band and the simulated beam segment serves, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, additionally as locking means precluding the inadvertent opening or separating of the end portions of the band.

Yet another important feature of the package and display of the invention is that spaced openings formed in the top wall surface of the simulated beam segment serve both as means for effecting an interlock between the beam segment and the band and also as finger holes facilitating the gripping and carrying of the assembly.

Another feature of the package and display of the invention is that the band or wrapper serves not only structurally to maintain a unified assembly but also as a convenient printing surface on which descriptive material including drawings and legends may conveniently be imprinted.

Still another important feature and advantage of the package and display of the invention is its extreme simplicity and its low cost.

A related advantage and feature of the invention is that the inventive concept including the simulated beam segment and the band or wrapper may readily be adapted for use in combination with many and varied types of brackets and clamps.

Yet another advantage of the display assembly of the invention is that a portion of the wrapper itself forms a handle for the package.

Other and further objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of the combined package and display constructed in accordance with and embodying the principles of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an end elevational view of the structure illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of the combined package and display assembly of the invention;

FIGURE 4 is a bottom view of the structure illustrated in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3;

FIGURE is a vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially on the line 55 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially on the line 6-6 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on the line 77 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the band or wrapper forming a part of the present invention;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a box-like structure or carton simulating a segment of a wooden beam and used as a spacer between the jaws of the brackets in the combination package and display unit of the invention; and

FIGURE 10 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a blank from which the band or wrapper of the package and display assembly of the invention is fabricated.

The aims and objects of the invention, as set forth above, and others as may appear from the accompanying specification consist of various features of construction and the combination of parts, these being described below in connection with the accompanying drawings showing a pair of sawhorse brackets, a beam-simulating spacer held within or between the jaws of the brackets, and a one-piece band or wrapper extending around the brackets and the simulated beam segment and holding all firmly in place to provide an integral, easily carried, package and display assembly.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, there is shown in FIGURES 1 through 4, for the purpose of illustrative disclosure, a preferred embodiment of the combination package and display assembly of the invention, incorporating the teachings thereof. The composite assembly illustrated includes a pair of sawhorse brackets 22 and 22a, a box-like spacer supported between and held by opposed jaws 34 and 34a of the brackets 22 and 22a, and a wrapper, band, or strap extending around the brackets 22 and 22a and the spacer held therein to form a unitary whole.

In the illustrative example of the invention shown, the box-like carton or spacer 30 is preferably shaped and marked to simulate a short length or segment of a beam or plank so that, as viewed, the over-all assembly illustrates or suggests the manner in which the brackets are used in practice. In a simple for-m, the spacer comprises a cardboard box or carton which may be fabricated according to any of the well-known techniques utilized in the relevant art. A schematic view of the box-like spacer is shown in FIGURE 9. In the form shown the box 30 has punched openings 44 or slots formed in opposed principal surfaces or panels 46 and 48. The openings 44 are spaced and adapted to receive tooth-like projections 52 integrally formed with and extending inwardly of the edge portions 56 and 58 of the end walls 62 and the top walls 66 of the brackets which abut and bear against the side surfaces or faces 46 and 48 of the beam-like spacer 30. The interengagement between the points or teeth 52 of the sawhorse brackets 22 and 22a and the beam-simulating box serves not only to prevent sliding or shifting of the spacer 30 supported in the saddle 70 formed between the jaws 34 and 34a of the brackets, but serves as well to illustrate schematically and effectively the parallel practical role of these metal teeth 52 in firmly gripping an actual cross-beam when the brackets are put to their intended use.

Although a bracket or sawhorse bracket, and preferably a pair of sawhorse brackets 22 and 22a comprise component elements of the over-all combination display package of the invention, the specific mechanical structure of the brackets themselves forms no part of the subject invention, the invention itself being useful with many different types of clamps or brackets. Not in any sense by way of limitation, but solely for the purpose of illustrative disclosure, the particular brackets illustrated in the drawings are described briefly herebelow. Since the two brackets depicted in the preferred package assembly of the invention are identical, it is necessary to describe only one. As seen most clearly in FIGURE 2, and as further illustrated in FIGURE 6, each bracket 22 comprises a pair of facing body members 76 and 76a connected for relative pivotal movement by means of hinges 80 and 80a which are integrally formed with the body members 76 and 76a, in the end panels or end walls 62 thereof. Each body member 76 and 76a of the brackets 22 (or 22a) is formed to provide a channel or housing 96 and 96a opening downwardly and adapted to receive upwardly therewithin an upper end portion of a length of 2 x 4 lumber (not shown) these 2 x 4 lengths serving as legs of a sawhorse or other structure of the type in which the brackets find utility. Suitable stops are provided to limit the upward travel of the legs into the channel, and in the particular embodiment of the bracket illustrated, these stops take the form of metal flanges 104 and 104a formed by stamping the front and the rear walls 106 and 106a of the bracket and deforming portions of these walls to extend inwardly intothe respective channels or cavities 96 and 96a, as clearly illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 6. The leg receiving channels 96 and 96a are substantially C-shaped in transverse section, as seen most clearly in FIGURE 4. At their upper jaw portions 34 and 34a the two principal elements of the bracket 76 and 76a define therebetween the cross beam supporting saddle 70 as seen in FIGURE 2.

In assembling the package and display assembly .of the invention, the two brackets 22 and 22a are positioned in-line and end-to-end as shown in FIGURES l, 3 and 7 and the box-like spacer 30 is placed in position in the aligned saddles 70. As a final step, the band or wrapper 40 is placed to extend beneath the brackets and over the spacer to retain all elements in fixed position.

Referring now in particular to FIGURES 8 and 10, in its preferred embodiment the wrapper or band comprises a one-piece structure which may be conveniently formed of paper, cardboard, plastic or any equivalent material, but which in the embodiment of the invention described is fabricated of cardboard. The band or wrapper includes a base or floor panel and a pair of front and rear walls or panels 124 and 124a integrally joined to the floor panel 120 at corresponding forward and rearward extremes thereof, these extremes or limits being defined, in the preferred form of the band shown, by means of score lines or fold lines 128- and 128a. At their upper ends as viewed in FIGURE 8, the front and rear panels 124 and 124a are integrally joined to top wall portions or webs 132 and 132a, fold lines or score lines 134 and 134a 'being provided to facilitate the manipulation of the wrapper and to provide a more aesthetically pleasing over-all appearance. As seen most clearly in FIGURE 10, extending laterally outwardly of the side edges of respective top webs 132 and 132a are tabs or wings and 140a which serve as means for coupling the free ends of the wrapper as well as for fastening the wrapper to the composite assembly, as will become evident as the description proceeds. Auxiliary coupling means for connecting the free ends of the band or wrapper 40 comprise a tongue 142 extending outwardly of the free edge of the top web 132a and a cooperating slit or groove 144 cut into the other top web 132, the interengagement of the tongue with the slit being clearly illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 8. As clearly shown in FIGURE 10 and also as seen in FIGURES 4 and 8, the floor panel 120 of the wrapper or band 40 is provided intermediate its lateral extremes with a pair of forwardly and rearwardly spaced cutouts or openings 146 and 146a which accommodate, for extension therethrough, the lower portions of the channel-defining walls of the bracket members. It will be readily evident upon consideration of the structure illustrated in FIGURES 1, 7 and 4 that the limited lateral width of the cutouts 146 and 146a (FIGURE 4) and the fact that the lower wall portions of the abutting end walls of the brackets extend through the openings and below the floor panel 120 itself prevents endwise displacement or separation of the bracket members 22 and 22a and ensures a stable over-all package assembly.

The preferred method of fastening the band 40, at its top wall portion, to the assembly and particularly to the box-like spacer 30 is described herebelow with reference to FIGURES -1, 3, 8 and 9. Referring now to FIGURE 9, the top or top wall 150 of the spacer is provided with a pair of axially spaced or longitudinally spaced cutouts or slots 154 and 154a, the lateral separation or spacing between the inner edges 156 and 156a corresponding to the width of the top Webs 132 and 132a of the band 40.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, with the wrapper 40 positioned about and encircling the brackets 22 and 22a and the box-like spacer 30 held therewithin, and with the top web portions 132 and 132a of the band overlying one another and over the top wall 150 of the beam-simulating spacer 30, the tabs or wings 140 and 140a are pushed downwardly to extend through the openings 154 and 154a and the free ends are bent inwardly toward each other as shown in FIGURES 1 and 8. During the same operation the tongue 142 is tucked within its cooperating slit 144 as illustrated in FIGURE 3 to complete the end connection of the band 40. In the final structure so produced, the holes 154 and 154a in the top wall of the box-like spacer 30 serve conveniently as finger grips or means by which the assembly may be carried.

It will be readily apparent from the foregoing description that the structure of the brackets themselves is in no sense critical for the practice of the present invention and that many and varied types of bracket structures may be used in the novel combination which constitutes the subject invention. While in the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated, the band is pictured as having front and rear walls which are generally trapezoidal in shape, it will be readily apparent that this particular contour is illustrated for disclosure purposes only and that other preferred shapes for the band may be equally suitable. It is contemplated that the principal panels, which include not only the front and rear panels but the base panel or the floor of the wrapper 40, may be imprinted with advertising material as well as with directions for use of the brackets of the package. Upon a consideration of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are advantages in the particular contour of the band illustrated and that the band not only provides a stable assembly but also facilitates the viewing of an appreciable portion of the wrapped structure so that, when on display, its utility will be readily apparent. It will also be appreciated that those skilled in the art that there has been here provided a simple yet highly efiective andefficient package and display structure in which the benefits of strength, visual appeal, simplicity, and minimal production costs have been combined to provide a highly useful and novel. assembly.

While the disclosure present is of a preferred embodiment of the package and display assembly, and while the specific details of such features as fastening means for intercoupling of the various components have been de-' scribed with respect to a preferred embodiment, it is apparent that numerous modifications and variations in structural details, in materials used, and in the final overall appearance may be made without departing from the underlying principles of the invention.

With the teachings of the present invention before them, those skilled inthe art will be able to deduce many substantially equivalent variations none of which constitutes a material departure from the teachings of the invention. It is, therefore, desired by the following claims to include within the scope of the invention all such variations and modifications by which substantially the results of this invention may be obtained through the use of substantially the same or equivalent means.

What is claimed is:

1. A package and display assembly comprising, in combination, a sawhorse bracket having opposed beamgripping jaws, a spacer held between said opposed jaws, and a wrapper encircling said bracket and said spacer and maintaining said bracket and said spacer in firm and fixed spatial relation with respect to each other.

2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said wrapper comprises a one-piece band.

3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said one-piece band comprises a unitary strap of sheet material formed to include integral interacting end-coupling means for securing said band about said bracket and said spacer.

4. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spacer comprises a box-like structure simulating a segment of a wooden beam.

5. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said wrapper encircles a pair of brackets.

6. A wrapper as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising means integral therewith for securing the wrapper, so placed, about the brackets.

7. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said Wrapper comprises a band of foldable material having interacting end portions adapted for interconnection therebetween.

8. A band as set forth in claim 2 and further comprising a plurality of spaced transverse score lines extending laterally across said band and defining fold lines to facilitate wrapping of said band about said bracket and said spacer.

9. A band as set forth in claim 8 wherein said score lines define panels in said band, said panels including a floor panel, a pair of side walls extending upwardly of said floor panel at opposed lateral edges thereof, and a pair of top webs, said webs being integrally joined at a fold line to upper edges of corresponding said side walls.

10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said band has an opening formed in said floor panel thereof and adapted to receive lower portions of a pair of brackets therethrough to hold said brackets in an endto-end disposition, to key said band with said brackets, and to secure said brackets in fixed relation to each other.

11. A band as set forth in claim 9 wherein portions of said top webs overlie each other, and further comprising means for securing the band about the bracket, said means comprising bendable tabs integrally formed with and extending laterally of edges of said top webs and adapted to bend to extend downwardly of said webs to look within cooperating openings formed in a top wall of said spacer.

12. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said two brackets are positioned in-line and end-to-end, spaced jaws of said brackets forming an upwardly and laterally opening slot, said slot defining a saddle adapted to receive and support a crossbeam therein, and wherein said spacer comprising a box-like structure fabricated and marked to simulate a lineal segment of a wooden crossbeam, said segment being seated and supported in said saddle between said jaws, whereby said assembly constitutes a display depicting said brackets schematically in a functional array.

13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 and further comprising tabs integrally formed with opposed end portions of said Wrapper and wherein said box-like structure includes a substantially flat top wall having a pair of spaced openings formed therein, said openings receiving said tabs downwardly therethrough, to couple said wrapper mechanically with said box-like structure and to lock said wrapper around said brackets and said box-like struc ture held therebetween.

14. A band as set forth in claim 9 and further comprising web coupling means for securing said band about said bracket, said web coupling means including interengaging tongue and slot elements integrally formed in. respective said webs.

15-. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, and further comprising printed matter carried on outwardly-facing surfaces of said wrapper.

16. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said wrapper includes front and rear walls of generally trapezoidal peripheral contour and a generally rectangular base panel interconnecting said front and rear walls, said base panel having an opening adapted to receive a lower portion of said bracket therethrough.

17. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said tabs are bendable reversely of top webs defining said end portions of said wrapper to embrace and to extend under an intermediate portion of said top wall of said box-like structure disposed between said openings to lock said tabs within said openings and to preclude inadvertent withdrawal of said tabs therefrom.

18. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said opposed end portions of said wrapper contiguously overlie one another and wherein said end portions carry integrally formed intercoupling slot and tongue elements for 8 interconnecting said end portions to each other to complete a circuit path about said brackets and about said box-like structure supported therewithin.

19. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said box-like structure is formed with spaced holes in parallelly extending front and rear walls thereof, said holes being positioned and adapted to receive therewithin crossbeam gripping points integrally formed with and extending inwardly of inside edges of said saddle formed by opposed crossbeam gripping walls of said brackets.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/1935 Reed 206-65 8/1944 Warr 206-6-5 

1. A PACKAGE AND DISPLAY ASSEMBLY COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A SAWHORSE BRACKET HAVING OPPOSED BEAMGRIPPING JAWS, A SPACER HELD BETWEEN SAID OPPOSED JAWS, AND A WRAPPER ENCIRCLING SAID BRACKET AND SAID SPACER AND MAINTAINING SAID BRACKET AND SAID SPACER IN FIRM AND FIXED SPATIAL RELATION WITH RESPECT TO EACH OTHER. 